8

Chapter Five

He grilled again that evening, this time chicken breasts and asparagus. Mandy appointed herself the task of making dessert and threw together peanut butter brownies from memory. Fortunately, she had remembered accurately, and they turned out well. They ate on the deck, and she cast a longing glance at the hot tub without thought. She’d never been in a hot tub in her life.

“You want to take a dip?” asked Shane, as he finished the last of his iced tea.

Mandy shook her head. “No, thanks.”

He grinned. “You don’t need to swim to go in.”

“Ha ha.” She stuck out her tongue. “I didn’t bring a swimsuit.” She didn’t even own one.

His voice deepened. “Neither did I, babe. It’s best enjoyed in the buff.” Mandy hesitated, not sure if she was brave enough. Apparently, he took that as his cue to decide for her. “Let me turn it on and get the water heated, and then we’ll go in.”

Nodding jerkily, she got to her feet. “I’ll be back.” She hurried to her room, frantically digging through her